Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of WERC.
Relocating employees—whether domestically or internationally—is a significant undertaking for corporations and government agencies. The choice of a household goods moving company directly impacts the success of the relocation, the satisfaction of transferees, and the reputation of the sponsoring organization. With so many providers in the marketplace, how can decision-makers ensure they’re choosing a partner that delivers reliability, care, and professionalism?
The answer lies in two key areas: packing and loading quality, as well as industry-recognized certifications. These factors distinguish top-tier moving providers from the rest, offering assurance that high standards and ethical practices are consistently upheld.
The Household Goods Industry at a Glance
The household goods (HHG) moving industry plays a crucial role in employee mobility, helping organizations manage the physical movement of household items when relocating talent across cities, countries, or continents. For corporations and government entities, this often involves strict timelines, security considerations, and high expectations for service quality.
While cost is always a consideration, the lowest bidder is rarely the best option. Damage to goods, poor communication and customer service, or delays can result in employee dissatisfaction, claims costs, or even project disruptions. That’s why emphasis on packing and loading quality, and choosing certified providers, is essential.
Why Packing and Loading Quality Matters
Packing and loading are the backbone of a successful move. Poor packing leads to damaged belongings, delays, and increased claims. Quality packing involves:
- Trained professionals who understand how to handle fragile, high-value, or sensitive items.
- Appropriate materials, such as high-quality cartons, padding, and custom crating where needed.
- Systematic labeling and inventory tracking to ensure every item arrives intact and on time.
- Efficient loading techniques that maximize space, minimize shifting during transit, and protect goods from damage.
Well-trained crews and standardized procedures are hallmarks of reputable movers. These operational details make a substantial difference, especially in long-distance or international relocations where transit risks are higher.
Certifications That Signal Excellence
For corporations and government buyers, certifications are a dependable way to validate a mover’s professionalism and global compliance. Two major industry certifications stand out: FIDI-FAIM and IAM.
FIDI and FAIM Certification
FIDI Global Alliance (Fédération Internationale des Déménageurs Internationaux) is the oldest and most respected global federation of international moving companies. Its FAIM (FIDI Accredited International Mover) certification is widely regarded as the gold standard in the industry.
To achieve and maintain FAIM certification, companies must:
- Undergo independent audits every three years, conducted by Ernst & Young, and yearly financial assessments to gauge their creditworthiness
- Meet stringent benchmarks in areas such as quality control, risk management, data security (GDPR compliance), sustainability, and client satisfaction.
- Demonstrate a commitment to ethical business practices, financial stability, and global compliance.
For corporate and government buyers, FAIM offers peace of mind. It shows that a mover has been thoroughly vetted and adheres to internationally recognized best practices, not just local regulations. A FIDI-affiliated mover can also count on a global network of certified agents, who are all held to the same rigorous quality standard.
Membership Associations
The International Association of Movers (IAM) is the largest global trade association for the moving and forwarding industry, with over 2,000 members in 170+ countries.
While IAM is not a certifying body like FIDI-FAIM, its members must adhere to a code of ethics and maintain professional standards. IAM also supports dispute resolution and offers a Trusted Moving Company designation, which reflects a history of reliability and transparency.
IAM membership demonstrates a mover’s global reach, access to a robust partner network, and commitment to continued improvement.
For businesses and professionals involved in managing, facilitating, or enabling employee relocations, WERC provides information, education, and networking opportunities so they can exchange knowledge and expertise to advance, grow, and navigate the complexities and challenges of mobilizing talent throughout the world.
What Makes a Moving Provider the Best Choice for Corporations and Governments?
When corporations or government agencies select a moving provider, several critical factors go into the decision:
- Quality Assurance: FAIM-certified movers offer a quality management system tailored to the international moving industry. This helps eliminate surprises and ensures consistency, no matter where the move originates or ends.
- Risk Mitigation: With certified partners, the risks of loss, damage, or service failures are significantly reduced. FIDI and IAM networks promote ethical practices and financial stability, which is crucial in long-term partnerships.
- Compliance and Security: Government moves may involve sensitive materials or personal data. FAIM certification ensures GDPR and data protection compliance, while both FIDI and IAM promote secure logistics practices.
- Global Coverage With Local Expertise: Certified movers typically have established networks worldwide, meaning they can handle origin and destination services seamlessly, while still being responsive to local requirements.
- Employee Satisfaction: A smooth relocation experience is key to employee retention. When a mover is efficient, communicative, and respectful, relocating employees are more likely to feel supported—and less stressed.
Final Thoughts
For corporations and government entities, choosing a household goods mover is more than just a procurement decision—it's an investment in employee experience and operational continuity. Movers with FAIM certification or IAM and WERC membership bring measurable value through high service standards, risk reduction, and global reliability.
Quality packing and loading, backed by globally recognized certifications, should be non-negotiable. These elements not only protect the physical goods being moved but also reflect the professionalism of the organization sponsoring the relocation.
In a world where mobility is essential, partnering with a certified, quality-driven moving provider ensures that both your people—and your reputation—arrive safely, every time.